After a busy summer preparing for his upcoming rookie year, Darryn Peterson is excited to tip off his first training camp with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
Peterson debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 23 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and one steal while shooting 34.5% from 3-point range in five games. He scored 20 or more points four times, including a 28-point effort on July 4.
Immediately afterward, the No. 2 overall pick vowed to get in the gym to work on various aspects of his game, including his shooting, and to improve his physique to handle the increased physicality of the NBA. Jazz coach Will Hardy noticed his efforts.
"I've learned that Darryn is incredibly professional for where he is in his career, in terms
of (how) he already has a pretty good baseline of routines," Hardy said. "When we say professional habits, really what we're talking about is having a routine. I think Darryn is a very serious young man when it comes to the work he is doing every day. He has shown the ability to be a pretty fast learner."
Peterson was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season at Kansas, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range. He led the Jayhawks in scoring, ranking fourth in the conference.
The 19-year-old showed several of the traits that made him a top pick in summer league, including his playmaking and ability in the open court. The organization is confident he can be integral this season and beyond, given those skill sets, his work ethic and demeanor.
"I've been here every day, working on some things, trying to prepare my body and my mind and building as much chemistry as I can now with my teammates," Peterson said. "I'm super excited."
Peterson had the chance to take the court with several of his new teammates in summer league and throughout the rest of the offseason. That time on the court likely proved invaluable as he projects to be a key player for the group this season.
Since arriving in Salt Lake City, Peterson has impressed those around him, with Keyonte George also calling him a fast learner. He has seemingly ingratiated himself well early on and is taking full advantage of his veteran teammates and coaches.
"I feel like we're building good chemistry on and off the court with the guys, spending time together, talking to each other," Peterson said. "I'm new here, so I've been asking a ton of questions to all of the vets and coaches. I'm trying to bring something to the team, whatever that can be; that's something I'm asking a lot of the guys. I'm willing to do whatever to help the team be better."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Darryn Peterson says Jazz are building 'good chemistry' before season
